Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters was sworn in as a Member of the 113th Congress. This marks the beginning of Congresswoman Waters’ twelfth term in office. She will now represent California’s 43 rd Congressional District (previously 35th) which includes the communities of Westchester, Playa Del Rey, Lennox, West Athens, West Carson, Harbor Gateway and El Camino Village, and the cities of Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lomita and Torrance. Congresswoman Waters released the following statement after the official swearing-in on the House floor:

“I am honored and privileged to serve the people of California’s 43rd District in the United States Congress. The next two years will present both challenges and opportunities. I am extremely excited I have been elected by my colleagues to serve as the Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee for the 113th Congress. In this new role, I will lead the Democratic Caucus in the oversight of all the financial services agencies of government, and I will focus on the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

“I will continue to work to eliminate fraud and abuse, and to support consumer protection in all areas of financial services: foreclosures, payday loans, misleading financial services products, and increasing housing opportunities. I will also remain committed to protecting and strengthening Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, and working on economic development, job creation, small business support, quality education, affordable housing and health care services.

“My constituents and particularly seniors and veterans will always be foremost in my public policy advocacy. I look forward to an exciting and productive 113th Congress that will bring a better quality of life for all in California and Americans nationwide.”